Schuyler Ambulance says Thank You to Volunteers

Schuyler County Volunteer Ambulance Association (SCVAA) would like to recognize all of our volunteers that give their time, energy and knowledge to the people of Schuyler County and all its villages and towns. National Volunteer Week – April 18 through 24 – is a time when our association takes the time to say thank you to its current volunteers and to encourage people to think about becoming a volunteer with us. Steve Bennett, EMT Supervisor, says “Currently we have about 24 active volunteers, with 6 more who have joined our forces this year in 2010.” Our volunteers receive free training. Initially they are taught CPR, safe ambulance driving skills, and receive a uniform shirt as a part of their orientation. They also receive free EMT training skills for becoming a volunteer member. As a volunteer member, each year they also receive free continued EMS skills and education at local and regional conferences and seminars to keep up with their training. Persons aged 18 and up are eligible to be volunteers, and we are always looking for new people. Two of the EMT’s who received the Gold Star of Life Award last month, while using the Zoll AutoPulse resuscitation machine, were volunteers; Jason Hudson and Scott Cicci. “For those interested in finding a new career field, anyone who comes in as a volunteer and takes all the training we offer, has the ability to move on to become a paid EMT within six months,” says Bennett. In the past month SCVAA has hired 10 paid EMT’s to help the community through the heavily traveled warm season. Two of the EMT’s hired were from the volunteer members.Rick Churches, President SCVAA, comments “Our association needs volunteers to serve our community and maintain our level of existence.” Without volunteers SCVAA would not be able to accomplish its goals and operate within its budget. Says Churches, “We are grateful to all of the volunteers who have worked here – past and present. But we are still in need of more.” SCVAA would like to receive at least 10 more applications for volunteers this year.” For our volunteer and paid members we honor them with a picnic in August and a Holiday party in December. Next month SCVAA is holding an open-house for EMS week – National EMS Week 2010 is May 16 thru May 22. Our open-house celebration will be held on Saturday May 22. For more information about the open-house please call our station at 535-7273 or view our website SchuylerAmbulance.com